Renal Genomics

Supporting integration of genomics into renal practice

The Renal Genomics Program was initiated following the success of the AGHA KidGen Flagship, by funding from Queensland Genomics, and supported by the Statewide Renal Clinical Network. The Genomic Institute Renal Genomics team have developed a program of training to support increased integration of genomics into renal health practice. The developing program includes a variety of resources developed specifically for renal health practitioners including nephrologists, nephrology trainees and renal nurse practitioners, including clinical support tools, education sessions and online in-practice learning.

Renal Genetics MDT Teams meeting

The Renal Genetics Multidisciplinary Clinic team (Prof Andrew Mallett, Dr Chirag Patel, and Dr Lindsay Fowles) will now be hosting a monthly MDT meeting to support our nephrology colleagues in the use of genetic and genomic testing in the clinic.

Find out more >

Our colleagues are invited to bring cases for discussion where specialist input may be of assistance. Any queries regarding patients with possible genetic kidney disease may be brought to this meeting. These may include:

Are further investigations recommended for clinical assessment of the patient?
Is genetic/genomic testing recommended and, if yes, which test and laboratory are the most appropriate? Can you provide advice regarding the logistics of ordering a test?
What is the meaning of a genetic test report or any of the listed comments?
What screening and management is advised for the patient and their family members?
How might issues relating to test consent, family dynamics and other ethical concerns be addressed?

Cases for discussion should be summarised on the attached Renal Genetics MDT Case template and emailed to Renal_Genetics_MDT@health.qld.gov.au by Thursday prior to the meeting. A list of cases to be discussed will be circulated the morning of the meeting.

The meeting will be held Mondays 12pm-1pm on the following dates:

Meetings will be run by Teams and all are welcome to attend. If you are interested, please email Renal_Genetics_MDT@health.qld.gov.au and you will be added to the meeting list.

What we offer

Renal genomics in practice online workshop

Free virtual workshop to explore the use of genomics in renal medicine

2 June 2021 and 11 June 2021

Intended for Nephrology Consultants, Trainees and Renal Nurse Practitioners this practice-relevant case-based interactive workshop provides an update on current diagnostic genomic tests (targeted panels, WES, WGS) and gives an opportunity for Nephrology focussed practitioners to discuss diagnostic and technical issues in renal genomic medicine.

PRESENTERS

DR CHIRAG PATEL
PROF ANDREW MALLETT
DR LINDSAY FOWLES

Discussions:

The Renal Genomics in Practice workshops have not yet been rescheduled but if you are interested in learning genomics, please see some of the other Genomic Institute Learning Centre resources or join the Genomic Institute Mailing List to receive notification of upcoming initiatives including future workshops.

Renal Genomics Project development

With continuing support from the Statewide Renal Clinical Network, the Renal Genomics team are working to continue development of a multidisciplinary education program for renal clinicians to support the adoption of genomics more broadly into renal services in Queensland. This work will also address the develop of a renal genomics model of care that can be applied in Nephrology Department in Queensland Health hospitals.

Along with the above initiatives, in the future they hope to develop a set of online learning resources specific for renal genomics. These modules will provide information on the genetics and genomics underlying the most relevant renal conditions with an underlying genetic basis.

The renal genomics modules include:

Cystic renal conditions
Alport syndrome
Glomerular renal disease

These modules are still under development but will be available through this website once complete.

Project Team

Associate Professor Andrew Mallett
Clinical Lead, Nephrologist Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital

Dr Chirag Patel
Genetic Education Lead, Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Genetic Health Queensland

Dr Lindsay Fowles
Senior Genetic Counsellor (Education and Training), Genomic Institute and Genetic Health Queensland

Under development

Genetic Kidney Disease (GKD) Decision Aids

The Genetic Kidney Disease (GKD) Decision Aids are a suite of eight decision support tools to enable adoption of genomic testing as a diagnostic tool in renal services. Developed by a collaboration between the experts in the Renal Genomics Team and the Clinical Skills Development Service, and extensively reviewed both naïve and expert users the GKD Decision Aids provide information relevant to renal health practitioners.

Topics included: identification of potential genetic kidney disease patients; key clinical diagnostic features for the different genetic kidney disease subtypes; family history queries; identification of appropriate genomic test panels; processes for requesting tests; and an overview of result interpretation.

Coming Soon GKD Decision Aids

If you are interested, please email GenomicsInstitute_Education@health.qld.gov.au and you will be included in the distribution list when the Decision Aid is released (expected release in August).

Genomic Institute

Metro North Health
Block 7, Level 11
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
HERSTON QLD 4029

Phone: (07) 3646 9533
Email: GenomicInstitute_Education @health.qld.gov.au

Need Help?

Upcoming genomics education

The Genomic Institute is continually working on ways to improve genomics capability, including a number of genomics training programs.

Future genomics training initiatives:

Genomics Foundations module: Interpreting results
Genomics Foundations module: Discussing diagnoses and results
Cardiology Genomics program
Nursing Genomics Program
Pharmacogenomics training